Big Little Lies
by Liane Moriarty
Contents
Chapter 81
Overview
Bonnie’s decision to confess releases Madeline and Ed from the burden of lying to the police, but it also exposes the strain Madeline’s request placed on their marriage. Ed’s emotional response makes clear that loyalty, deception, and Madeline’s ties to her old family have wounded him deeply.
Renata’s apology to Ziggy closes another painful thread, acknowledging the injustice done to Jane and Ziggy and suggesting a possible social and emotional repair before the Kleins leave for London.
Summary
Celeste texts Madeline to say that Bonnie is telling the truth, confirming that Bonnie is confessing about pushing Perry. Madeline immediately calls Ed, fearing that the future of their marriage depends on reaching Ed before Ed gives a police interview.
Madeline reaches Ed just as Ed has parked outside the police station. Madeline tells Ed that Bonnie is confessing and that Ed no longer needs to lie for Bonnie; Ed can tell the police exactly what Ed saw.
Ed breaks down and tells Madeline that asking Ed to lie was too much, especially because Madeline was asking Ed to do it for Madeline’s ex-husband’s family. Madeline apologizes, and Ed says Ed was going to do it, though Madeline privately doubts that Ed truly would have been able to lie.
The chapter ends with a letter from Renata to Ziggy. Renata apologizes for mistreating Ziggy and Jane after wrongly believing Ziggy had hurt Amabella, and invites Ziggy to Amabella’s Star Wars-themed going-away party before the Klein family moves to London.
Who Appears
- Madeline MackenzieCalls Ed urgently to stop him from lying and apologizes for the burden.
- Ed MackenzieArrives for his police interview and breaks down over Madeline’s request.
- Bonnie CarlsonConfesses the truth about Perry’s death, ending the need for others to lie.
- Celeste WrightTexts Madeline to confirm that Bonnie is telling the truth.
- Renata KleinApologizes to Ziggy for wrongly accusing and mistreating him.
- Ziggy ChapmanReceives Renata’s apology and an invitation to Amabella’s party.
- Amabella KleinIs having a Star Wars-themed going-away party before moving to London.